CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Cabling, Bracing, and Support Questions and Answers

Question 1

An arborist is installing a static support cable between two large codominant stems. According to ANSI A300 (Part 3) standards, what is the generally accepted placement height for the cable?

Accepted Answer

At least two-thirds of the distance from the weak union to the tops of the stems being supported.

Answer

ANSI A300 Part 3 standards specify that cables should be installed at least two-thirds of the distance from the defect (the weak union) to the tops of the limbs being supported. This placement provides the best leverage to reduce movement and stress on the union.

Question 2

Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose for installing a threaded steel brace rod through a split tree trunk?

Accepted Answer

To provide rigid support to limit further twisting or spreading of the split.

Answer

The main function of a brace rod is to provide rigid, stationary support to a weak or split union. It is not intended to pull the split closed, which can cause further damage, but rather to prevent the existing damage from worsening by limiting movement.

Question 3

A client requests a support system that allows for natural tree movement to encourage reaction wood development, while still providing support during high-wind events. Which type of system best fits this description?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic system using synthetic fiber rope.

Answer

Dynamic support systems use synthetic, rope-like materials that allow the tree to sway and move naturally under normal conditions, which helps it build strength. They only become taut and provide support when movement exceeds a certain threshold, such as during a storm. Static steel cables are designed to minimize movement at all times.

Question 4

When attaching a support cable to a limb that is greater than 10 inches in diameter, which of the following anchor hardware is generally required by industry best practices to ensure a secure attachment?

Accepted Answer

A through-bolt with a washer and nut.

Answer

For larger limbs (generally those over 8-10 inches in diameter), through-bolts are required because they distribute the load through the entire limb and are much more secure. Lag-threaded hardware, like J-lags, relies only on the holding power of the wood threads and is not considered sufficient for larger, heavier limbs.

Question 5

During a routine inspection of a mature tree with an older cabling system, which of the following findings would require the MOST immediate corrective action?

Accepted Answer

A thimble is missing from the eye splice, causing the cable to bend sharply over the anchor.

Answer

The thimble protects the cable from a sharp bend and excessive wear at the termination point. Without it, the cable can fatigue and fail at a load well below its rated strength, creating a significant hazard. The other conditions are less critical; slight sag is often intentional, bark growth over hardware is expected, and minor surface rust is not an immediate failure risk.

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Cabling, Bracing, and Support Questions and Answers